Safety Tip of the Week – Hot Work Hazards

Welding is a routine job on many worksites. However, this common task has hazards that can result in serious injury and property damage. Welding operators, as well as bystanders, can be directly affected by these hazards.

Fires on industrial sites are caused by a variety of activities including welding or cutting operations. The main contributor to welding operation fires is the production of sparks or molten hot slag.

Questions to Consider Before Beginning Hot Work:

• Does everyone understand the scope of the work?
• Have security, emergency response personnel, and affected workers in the area been notified?
• Has the permit been filled out?
• Has the area been inspected before hot work is to start?
• Are all flammables/combustibles removed from the area?
• Has the area been evaluated to ensure that no flammable vapors are present?
• Is a fire extinguisher available?
• Are immovable fire hazards covered with a tarp or other non-combustible covering?
• Have employees been told to immediately stop hot work if conditions change, odors become present, etc. until the area is re-inspected?

You can protect yourself form the physical hazards of welding. Follow company hot work policies and use proper PPE to prevent injury and follow them consistently. Correct any situation presenting a possible fire or electrical shock hazard.

If you have a safety concern about welding hazards, don’t let it become an accident – report it to your supervisor or safety committee representative.

TAKE THE HOT OUT OF HOT WORK TODAY!